Bacong: A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-initiated buy-bust operation in Bacong, Negros Oriental has resulted in the arrest of a female 'high-value target' and the confiscation of suspected shabu with a street-level value of PHP3.4 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA-Negros Oriental chief Elmer Ebona reported in an interview that the suspect, a 32-year-old unemployed woman from Barangay Looc, was apprehended on Sunday night in Barangay Sulodpan, Bacong town. The arrest occurred after joint PDEA and police operatives allegedly caught her selling suspected shabu to an undercover agent.

The authorities seized plastic sachets of various sizes containing approximately 510 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect. Ebona revealed that the woman claimed to have a contact inside the Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, who provided instructions via cellphone on the delivery of the illegal drugs.

"The woman was under surveillance for a while before the arrest, and we believe that she is not operating alone but belongs to a group involved in the illegal drug trade," said Ebona. The suspect is currently detained as a case is being prepared against her for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.